Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and community engagement through its continued support of the ‘Dare to Dream’ programme, now in its fifth consecutive year.

The 2025 programme reached 46 individual students across three West Sussex secondary schools through one-to-one mentoring and delivered inspirational assemblies to around 600 Year 9 pupils.

Run in partnership with the LoveLocalJobs Foundation, the ‘Dare to Dream’ initiative focuses on helping young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.

Students are supported through a mix of mentoring, workshops and workplace visits, all aimed at helping them unlock their potential and raise their aspirations.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has invested in local talent and sees the programme as part of its wider mission to shape the next generation of innovators, craftspeople and community leaders.

Lydia Woodroff, HR Sustainability Business Partner at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “At Rolls-Royce, we believe that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can support our local community. ‘Dare to Dream’ gives students the tools and encouragement to see what’s possible – not just in their careers, but in themselves. It’s a pleasure to be part of their journey and to help open doors to futures they may not have imagined.”

Mentor Kristi Challen added: “It’s been a real privilege working alongside the ‘Dare to Dream’ foundation and the young people that it reaches. As a mentor, it’s given me the opportunity to provide guidance, encouragement and support to pupils in both their personal and educational lives, as they develop the tools to unlock their full potential.”

The impact of the programme was praised by Jack Hayes, Programme Leader at the LoveLocalJobs Foundation, who said: “Once again, the support we have received from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been truly outstanding. If it were not for their backing, three Year 9 cohorts across three different secondary schools would not have received ‘Dare to Dream’ and the powerful messages of empowerment it delivers. This support from one of the world’s most prestigious brands shows just how much they care about the aspirations and wellbeing of the next generation who are growing up in Rolls-Royce’s home of West Sussex.”

Teachers and students alike highlighted the value of the experience. Joanne Skinner of Ormiston Six Villages Academy said the students “gained so much” from the sessions, particularly the workplace visit, while a participant from Chichester Free School described the programme as “engaging and fun”, praising the mentors for being “kind and understanding”.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people in its local community, using programmes like ‘Dare to Dream’ to help shape brighter futures.